High School Student Advances to Sacramento Valley Regional Speak-Off Contest

Glenn County, CA – High school student, Dominic Brock, advances from the local Glenn County Resource Conservation District’s (RCD) to the Sacramento Valley Region’s Speak-Off Contest to be held 9:00 AM, November 1st at Colusa County Farm Bureau, 520 Market Street, Colusa. The contests, part of the 2016 California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) Annual Speak-Off Contest, are designed to provide high school students a fun way to learn about our natural resources, gain experience in public speaking and allow attendees to hear from our youth regarding their thoughts on conservation. Any high school student may participate who has an interest in agriculture, resource conservation or the environment.

Brock, a William Finch Charter School Senior, placed first at the local competition, so he will compete among other participating students from Tehama County, Butte County, Colusa County, Lake County, Yuba County, Sutter County, Yolo County as well as portions of Shasta, Modoc and Plumas counties.

His prize winning speech on the topic “Based on history, what is your conservation dream and how can Resource Conservation Districts be involved?“ was a powerful speech that noted his grandfather’s experience in being an engineer in the building of Shasta Dam. He focused on the drought and potential wildfire threats. Brock concluded with his dream of being the President of the United States in 2036. He took home a cash award of $100, certificate, and he will participate at the Regional Contest.

Connor Avrit, a Hamilton High School Junior, received second for his dream of having healthy soils. Avrit took home a cash award of $75 and certificate.

Cort Johnson, also a Hamilton High School Junior, received third for his speech’s focus on having more water and not being in a drought. Johnson took home a cash award of $50 and certificate.

Kandi Manhart, RCD Executive Officer, said “This year’s contest was quite possibly the largest in RCD’s history of holding this event. The 10 high school students did an excellent job researching conservation of natural resources.” She went on to say, “This is one event in which we all look forward to hosting each year for our RCD Connects with Kids program.”

For further information on the RCD Connects with Kids program or the Regional Contest contact the Glenn County RCD at (530) 934-4601 x5. ~

History of RCDs

Since 1960, formerly known as the Elk Creek Soil Conservation District, the Glenn County Resource Conservation District (GCRCD) has engaged farmers, ranchers and the community in protecting our resources through a variety of educational programs. We continue to address natural resource concerns and pursue opportunities that benefit Glenn County. From helping farmers comply with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program to the “RCD Connects with Kids” program to management plans for Glenn County that address landowners’ natural resource concerns, we utilize local, in-kind resources and grant funding to effect positive changes for Glenn County. Through these efforts, GCRCD has gained a great deal of respect and trust from many who believe natural resources is invaluable to our future.